Author: Robert Blake

Recently, many around the world celebrated Easter Weekend. Some, in the week leading up to Easter, recounted the Passover, a millennia-old tradition commemorating God’s miraculous deliverance. Many Christians have recognized the Passover rituals as prefiguring and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches observe the Lord’s (Last) Supper regularly, during which oft-repeated Scriptures are used to signify Christ’s broken body and spilt blood. 

This was Jesus’ understanding as well, as He made a final statement for the service signifying His death, though clearly missed by those in attendance. Many of us recite these references and recognize their contextual significance, but miss the second and equally important message stated.

It was a Thursday evening. Matthew 26:26-30 portrayed the fundamental elements of this period which are mirrored and expanded in Mark 14, as well as Luke 22. The gospel of John alludes to it in chapter 13 of his discourse, but makes no reference to the supper and the wine. Earlier that day, Jesus and HIs disciples gathered together in an upper room. First, the disciples took part in the foot washing service, commonly known as the ordinance of humility. Took part in is a grossly inaccurate description, as their Master served them, though they were reluctant.

There followed the actual meal in which they took bread representing Christ’s body. Verse 27 of Matthew 26 opens in quite dramatic fashion — “and He took the cup”. There is symbolism in this phrase, one that hints beyond the primary portrayal of the juice representing Christ’s spilled blood. 

After they had sung a hymn, John in chapters 14-16 transcribes a powerful vesper devotional during which He built on the eternal theme of the vine, as the group meandered to the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ, then retired to a section of the garden for a season of intercessory prayer, as recorded in John 17, which not only included those present, but all of His followers to the end time.

However, as the night deepened, HIs prayer became more agonal even to the point of what some have termed hematohidrosis—the sweating of drops of blood, as He pled with his Father. John and James would have been more reticent to offer their brash, self-serving request. Matthew 26:39 describes the climactic moment of His prayer, which immediately preceded the rapid sequence of events culminating in what we know now as Good Friday. “O My Father, it it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt”. He accepted His Father’s will—He took the cup for you and for me!

September 11, 2001 changed life forever as we once knew it. For those older than 20 years old, that day lives on in infamy and the memories are myriad of that day and subsequent events. Since then, Americans commemorate that day, as they anticipate a “more perfect union” and “domestic Tranquility”. Besides this memorial, Christians worldwide have a unique and dual experience each time we take the cup and take part in the Lord’s supper. We commemorate the death of Christ and simultaneously anticipate His second coming.

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11: 16

In Genesis, Moses introduces God’s creative power with three simple words — “in the beginning”. The Gospel writers pick up the sentiment and convey God’s power over creation with three simple words–- “peace be still”. These latter three words have resounded throughout the centuries via the words of the familiar 1870 hymn by Miss M. A. Baker, entitled “Master, the Tempest is Raging”. “The Storm on the Sea of Galilee”, a 1633 masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn, also portrays the words.

At the time they were first uttered, these three simple words invoked fear. Let’s pick up the story in Luke Chapter 8. It started off as a routine traverse across the sea of Galilee. A storm unexpectedly ensued cascading the disciples into a life-threatening frenzy. Each person did his best to preserve his own life, the lives of his shipmates, and the vessel itself. Each man was frantic except for one, Jesus Christ, who was fast asleep. The disciples anxiously rousted him from his peaceful slumber and with urgency accosted Him because of his neglect and apathetic demeanor. Rather than engage in unneeded discourse, He simply commanded the storm to abate.

Now in the night’s calm, a fresh fear enveloped the disciples, as they realized they were in the presence of no ordinary passenger. On their arrival ten verses later, we read a similar scene of Jesus calming the storm of demonic forces. Again the response by witnesses showed they were out of their league with this so-called fellow traveler.

In your own life, God has solved your problem, quenched your fire, calmed your storm, and silenced your tormentor, but instead of praise, you have fear in the midst of the calm! Is it truly fear or is it awe in the presence of an all-powerful God? Is it alternatively a sense of amazement and utter disbelief? Had you previously doubted God’s ability to perform and now your lack of faith causes you to shudder? You ask, “Who is this God Who hears and answers prayer?” “Who is this unseen, omnipotent Being Who cares enough about me to intercede in my life, my predicament, and my dilemma?” Oh yes, the encounter causes one to pause, to reflect and reconsider one’s station in life. “Yes, I am a child of God, the Eternal King of the universe, but Oh, what a mighty God I serve!”

Isaiah had an interesting experience one in which he came face-to-face with Power and he realized holy terror! “Woe is me… for mine eyes have seen the King!”, he exclaimed, once he regained his breath, composure, and the sense enough to express affirmation. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals who encountered the immediate presence of God. Moses and Joshua present two vivid examples of their encounters and their responses. They knew what to do and showed fear – the sacred realization that they were in the presence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present, yet loving God.

What should our response be when we encounter God’s presence?